Lucy Palmer
Commercial beer kegs are available for purchase from various retailers and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from large to small, and in bulk quantities. The two main types of commercial kegs are Sanke kegs and Cornelius (or Corny) kegs. Sanke kegs are typically used for commercial beer and feature a Sanke coupler that twists onto the centre top of the keg, allowing CO2 in and beer out through the same mechanism. Cornelius kegs, on the other hand, are often used for homebrewed beer and feature a removable lid that makes it easy to open, clean and refill. When purchasing a commercial beer keg, it is important to consider the type of coupler or disconnect required, as well as the size and quantity needed for your specific use case.
Commercial Beer Kegs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Variety | Large, small, quarter barrel, slim quarter, sixth barrel, Cornelius keg, mini-keg, half-barrel |
| Capacity | 1.32 gallons, 5 gallons, 5.2 gallons, 5.4 gallons, 7.75 gallons, 10.8 gallons, 15.5 gallons |
| Material | Food/beverage-grade AISI 304 stainless steel |
| Valve | Sankey "D" System threaded valve, Sankey D System |
| Shipping | Free domestic shipping on select orders over $15 or $50 |
| Accessories | Keg couplers, keg fillers, party pumps, CO2 regulators, keg couplers, keg washers, keg filling stations, coupler filling heads, beer faucets, beer taps, beer line hoses, CO2 tanks, keg pressure and temperature couplers, coupler cleaning bottles, coupler adjustment tools, coupler regulators, keg stackers, keg jackets |
| Beer Types | Lager, amber lager, IPA, ale, double/imperial IPA, pale ale, blonde ale, special release, low gluten, gluten-free, light lager, Belgian-style wheat ale, traditional lager, craft brews |
| Beer Brands | Stella Artois, Michelob, Blue Moon, Yuengling, Cigar City, Samuel Adams, Dos Equis, Founders, Michelob Amber Bock, Corona Extra, Dogfish Head, Pilsner Urquell |
| Keg Life | 6-8 weeks, 6 months (pasteurized), 2 months (unpasteurized) |
What You'll Learn
Commercial kegs vs. homebrew kegs
Commercial kegs and homebrew kegs differ in their design, ease of use, and intended audience. Commercial kegs, also known as Sanke kegs, are designed for use by commercial breweries and are challenging for home brewers to utilise. These kegs lack a removable lid, making them difficult to open, clean, and refill. They feature a Sanke Coupler, which twists onto the centre top of the keg, allowing for CO2 input and beer output through the same mechanism. Commercial kegs come in various sizes, with some larger options available, such as the half-barrel size.
In contrast, homebrew kegs, often referred to as Corny or Cornelius kegs, are ideal for home brewers due to their ease of use and convenient design. Corny kegs are essentially repurposed soda kegs, with two types available: Pin Lock and Ball Lock. Pin Lock Corny Kegs were originally made for Coca-Cola, while Ball Lock Corny Kegs were manufactured for Pepsi Co. The main difference lies in the locking mechanism on the posts at the top of the kegs. Homebrew kegs feature a large removable lid, making it simple for home brewers to open, clean, and transfer their brew into the keg.
When it comes to tap size, Corny kegs offer a more user-friendly experience, as their taps are easier to clean than those of Sankey kegs. Additionally, the Sankey keg's small opening can make it challenging to add ingredients like fruit. Corny kegs are specifically designed for home draft systems, whereas Sankey kegs are more expensive and commonly used by commercial breweries.
While both types of kegs serve the same purpose of storing and dispensing beer, the decision to choose between a commercial or homebrew keg depends on the user's needs and scale of operation. Commercial kegs are ideal for large-scale breweries and distribution, while homebrew kegs cater to hobbyists and homebrew enthusiasts who value convenience and ease of use.
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Where to buy commercial beer kegs
If you're looking to buy commercial beer kegs, there are several online retailers that offer a wide variety of options. Here are some reliable sources to consider:
Kegco
Kegco is a well-known supplier of commercial beer kegs and offers a range of options, including different sizes and bulk quantities. They provide free domestic shipping on select orders over $50. Their products include:
- 15.5-gallon (1/2 barrel) commercial kegs with Drop-In D System Sankey Valve
- 5-gallon commercial kegs with Threaded D System Sankey Valve
- 7.75-gallon commercial kegs with Drop-In D System Sankey Valve
- Pallets of 16, 32, 48, or 50 kegs, offering quarter-barrel slim options
BeverageFactory.com
BeverageFactory.com is another online retailer that offers a wide range of commercial beer kegs. They have various options available, including:
- 15.5-gallon commercial kegs with Drop-In D System Sankey Valve, starting at $146 per unit
- 5-gallon commercial kegs with Drop-In D System Sankey Valve, starting at $85 per unit
- Pallets of 9, 18, or 27 kegs, offering a range of different valve systems
GW Kent
GW Kent provides a one-stop shop for all your commercial beer keg needs. They offer a vast selection of premium stainless steel kegs and kegging equipment. Some of their products include:
- 5-gallon kegs with ball lock
- 15.5 BBL topping cellar kegs
- 15-gallon kegs with 4" TC top
- A range of couplers, fillers, and dispensing tools
Allavino Wine Refrigerators
While primarily focused on wine refrigeration, Allavino also offers commercial beer kegs through their online store. They provide a range of options, including:
- Quarter-barrel slim commercial kegs with threaded Sankey D System Valves
- Pallets of 32 kegs, offering bulk purchasing options
These sources should provide you with a good starting point for purchasing commercial beer kegs. Be sure to explore their websites for the most up-to-date information on pricing and product availability.
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Commercial keg couplers
The D-System Sankey Coupler, compatible with American "D" system kegs, is the most common and will tap most American or Canadian domestic kegs, including Budweiser, Miller, and Yuengling. This type of coupler features a commercial-grade construction that stands up to heavy use in demanding commercial environments like pubs, bars, and restaurants. It is designed with a lever handle that makes it more sturdy and reliable than the standard wing handle style. The D-System coupler also includes a 55-psi pressure relief valve, allowing over-pressurized gas to escape before entering the keg.
For European brands, the S-System European Sankey Coupler works with popular beers like Heineken, Stella Artois, and Amstel. If you're looking to pour a perfect pint of Guinness, you'll need the U-System Guinness Coupler, which is also suitable for Harp Lager and Kilkenny. The A-System Coupler, known for its compatibility with notable German beers, will tap Hoegaarden, Isenbeck, and Aigner. Less commonly used are the M-System and G-System Couplers, which are nonetheless required for some beers.
When selecting a commercial keg coupler, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with the specific type of keg you intend to use.
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Commercial keg sizes
Commercial kegs come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being the sixth barrel, short/quarter barrel (or pony keg), slim/quarter barrel, and half barrel.
The sixth barrel is roughly the same size as the Corny Keg, just slightly larger. This size keg is commonly used in dual or triple-tap kegerators to provide a variety of options without the need for multiple kegerators. Sixth barrel kegs typically hold 5.16 gallons (or 661 ounces) of liquid, which is approximately 41 pints.
The quarter barrel keg is short and stubby and is ideal for small parties and limited storage spaces. It holds 7.75 gallons (or 992 ounces), which is approximately 62 pints.
The slim quarter barrel holds the same amount as the quarter barrel but is slimmer and taller, resembling the sixth barrel keg. This variation in size makes it a popular choice for anyone with a dual-tap kegerator.
The half barrel is the largest standard keg size and is commonly used in bars and restaurants. It holds 15.5 gallons (or 1984 ounces), which is approximately 124 pints.
Other commercial keg sizes include the 10.8-gallon firkin cask, the 15.5-gallon brite tank, and the 5-gallon keg.
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Commercial keg prices
Commercial beer kegs are available in various sizes, including full-size half-barrel kegs, quarter-barrel kegs, sixth-barrel kegs, Cornelius kegs, and mini-kegs. The prices of these kegs vary depending on the brand, size, and retailer.
For example, Kegco offers a range of commercial kegs, such as the 15.5-gallon (1/2 barrel) commercial keg with a Drop-In D System Sankey Valve, which is priced at $4,160 for a pallet of 18 kegs. They also offer a 5-gallon commercial keg with a Threaded D System Sankey Valve for $5,200, or a pallet of 50 for the same price.
GW Kent provides a 5-gallon AEB keg with a ball lock for $199.99 on sale, a regular price of $447. They also have a 15-gallon keg with a 4" TC top on sale for $199.99, down from $399.
Amazon offers a 15.5-gallon Kegco commercial keg for $2,713. This keg is constructed from food and beverage-grade AISI 304 stainless steel and is suitable for storing various beverages.
Total Wine & More provides a range of beer kegs, including a half-keg of Dos Equis Amber for approximately $158 plus a deposit and a half-keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit for $220 plus deposit. The deposit is typically around $15.
It is important to note that the prices mentioned may not be the most recent, and they may vary depending on the retailer and the specific product specifications.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy commercial beer kegs from several online retailers.
Commercial beer kegs come in various sizes, including 15.5 gallons (1/2 barrel), 7.75 gallons (1/4 barrel), 5.25 gallons (1/6 barrel), 5 gallons (Cornelius keg), and 1.32 gallons (mini-keg).
Commercial beer kegs are ideal for storing and dispensing beer, keeping it fresh and clean, ready to be served at your preferred temperature.
It is important to consider the compatibility of keg couplers, as there are different types such as A, D, G, M, S, and U. The correct coupler depends on the beer's region of origin.
